The problematisation of young people within existing housing-related policy in Queensland

More young people are experiencing homelessness and housing stress in Australia than ever before, with policy responses failing to address a current housing and cost-of-living crisis. Of particular concern when considering increasing rates of youth homelessness and housing stress is the absence of research examining existing policy.

This research was undertaken in the Australian state of Queensland and contributes to addressing this gap in knowledge by utilising Carol Bacchi’s (2009) ‘What’s the Problem Represented to be?’ approach to policy analysis to examine three state policies, namely Towards Ending Homelessness for Young Queenslanders 2022–2027, the Queensland Housing Strategy 2017–2027, and the Queensland Youth Strategy.

A range of discourses were found which position young people as lacking knowledge and skills to obtain housing. Emphasis is also placed on education, training, and employment as solutions to youth housing issues rather than a genuine focus on empowering young people through policy and practice initiatives. The findings of this research mirror existing discourses found in global conversations about youth homelessness and housing stress and contribute to a growing knowledge base around the importance of engaging young people in decision making within public policy and social reform.